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Single Tooth Anesthesia

Dentist in Llano, TX

What if you could go to the dentist and NOT feel the shot? Impossible, you say?

What if your dentist could numb a single tooth while working on it, versus the current technique which often numbs a group of teeth or half your face?

What if you could avoid the lingering mouth numbness that often follows dental appointments?

Believe it or not, all of the above are possible with some recently improved technology called single tooth anesthesia (STA). You have to not feel it to believe it.

To understand STA, we first have to understand why shots cause pain. With today’s topical anesthetics that numb the surface of the tissue, the actual poke of the needle is rarely felt. The pain actually comes when a volume (bolus) of anesthetic solution is delivered to an area and causes tissue expansion. The act of the liquid expanding the tissue is what causes the burning sensation. As the anesthetic takes effect, this pain (and all other sensation) goes away.

Single tooth anesthesia works by precisely controlling the amount of anesthetic going into the tissues and the time it takes to deliver the anesthetic. In other words the anesthetic is delivered ever so slowly and just ahead of the tip of the needle, one drop at a time. This controls tissue expansion and takes the sting out of injections. You truly have to not feel it to believe it.

Sounds perfect, what’s the catch? STA is not indicated for all dental procedures. It does still require a needle, but it’s a short one and it’s attached to a cute little plastic wand rather than a stainless steel syringe. Patients sometimes report a little more soreness at injection sites versus traditional block injections. Single tooth anesthesia tends to wear off quicker as well, which can be a plus or a minus depending on the length of the procedure. Overall, though, most patients have preferred the experience over traditional dental injections.

If the fear of the needle or the sting of a shot has kept you from getting your teeth fixed, ask your dentist about STA next time you are in the office. You’ll be glad you did.

Until next week, keep smiling.

-Please send comments to Drs. Parrish at www.ParrishDental.com.

What Our Patients Are Saying

Llano, TX Dentist

Made a visit to Parrish Dentistry this morning with my full family of 4 and could not have gone better. From the check in process to examination to cleaning they were hitting on all cylinders and we could not have been happier. Even our young kids were very entertained throughout the process due to their kid friendly staff and welcoming environment. Thanks Parrish Dentistry team for making our visit over the top!

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Dentist in Llano, TX

Location Address

Parrish Dentistry

307 East State Highway 71
Llano, TX 78643

325-247-4000

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Your Health and Safety is our Top Priority

Dentist in Llano, TX

Parrish Dentistry has always had the very highest of standards when it comes to your child's health and that hasn’t changed. Every time you and your child visit our office, our primary goal is to ensure your health and your safety.

We continue to maintain and uphold the requirements set forth by the CDC, OSHA, and the ADA in regards to sanitation and infection control, ensuring a clean and healthy environment for all.